THE CLERK AT Cleveland Costume was in her early twenties, pale and brunette, full lips, hips to match. She was the same one who had rented him the costume. He was hoping she would be there. ‘Hi,’ she said as he stepped through the door.
‘Hi,’ he replied. He noticed that she fluffed her hair. That was a good sign. ‘How are you?’
‘Just fine, thanks,’ she said. She took the plastic garment bag from him, along with the bag that held the boots. ‘And did we have a good time on Halloween?’
‘Sort of,’ he said. ‘I buckled a few swashes, I guess.’
The girl laughed. ‘You don’t sound so sure.’
‘Well, it was a crazy night round my way. A little more excitement than we’re used to.’
‘Hope nothing bad happened.’
‘Well, I’m afraid some bad things did. But everyone near and dear to me came out of it just fine. That’s the good news.’
‘Maybe you should go for something a little less provocative next year. Something like a clown or a vampire.’
‘No. I don’t think so. This costume will be fine.’
‘Okay,’ she said as she handed his deposit back. ‘It’ll be here waiting for you.’
‘Terrific,’ Garth Randolph said with a smile. ‘Let’s just hope I’m the same size.’
‘Oh, I have a feeling you will be.’
‘Because I’d really hate to break with tradition,’ Garth said, walking to the door.
‘What do you mean?’
He turned, winked at her. ‘I’ve always been the pirate.’